When I put the driver's window either up or down, at approx. mid-point, it slows a little and makes a binding noise. it still works. wondering if i could be lucky enough that the drive mechanism simply needs to be greased. i have never had the door panel off. how do i do that? all suggestions welcomed

Enter the last 7 digits of yer VIN number...
Then find the sub category your looking...

Lots of diagrams, schemetics and part numbers relevant to you car. Its a must have saved to favorites.... a great compliment to the Bentley Manual.

On some model cars it is possible to perform a bit of a maintenance service to the window Motor. Using WD-40 or such and a aerosol Electrical cleaner, Without having to remove it from the door.

Try to flush the inside of the motor and gears with the WD-40...
Cycle the window up and down a few times...
Let it sit for a few hours...
Then flush it again with the Electrical Cleaner to flush out the gunk...

Repeat the process...

Then I lube the gears and the motor (using a syringe) with water proof wheel bearing grease.

Should be a marked increase in the smoothness of the window action.
It might just save yourself a couple hundred bucks...

I have the same problem in my 97, it squeaks more especially in summer. I think the problem is due to old felt pad guides. I haven't found a good lubricant to put there that will last a long time and w/o making a mess to the window.

1997 bmw e39 528i 4 door sedan driver side door window motor repair. Yahoo, no money spent, yet.
After watching a number of video's on YouTube and then reading what you wrote I wish I had $50 dollars to send you. All the videos tell us to replace the motor or the actuator, mine freed up when I took the bolts holding the bottom of the window out. I put a wooden wedge to hold the window up now I just have to figure out how to get the motor out. If anyone out there knows how please let me know. He's right, a lot of WD40 and grease in the motor housing and silicon on the vertical tracks and I bet it'll work.
Thanks WaBike.
On another note I tried the site www.realoem.com but had no luck finding a subcategory.